Defining SLOW
The SLOW framework is beyond transparency, it includes how we determine our priority areas, how we engage with others, and ultimately, how we support the communities for which we were created to serve. SLOW is not a set of new ideas, but rather a combination of existing ideas and movements, brought together to create a new concept to maximize impact and recognize integrity.
Sustainable
Finances | Strategy | People
Philanthropic efforts take a long-term approach focused on developing the independent capacities of communities, while ensuring operations remain fiscally responsible, fully utilizing stakeholder potential, and demonstrating impact over time. This means a foundation should be sustainable in their finances, strategy and people.
Local
Place | Participation | Potential
Bespoke, responsive programs are tailored to address the specific needs and strategic priorities of local communities, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach to solving persistent development challenges. A SLOW foundation should therefore be locally oriented in their place, participation and potential.
Welcoming
Inclusion | Engagement | Empowerment
SLOW foundations are dedicated to creating inclusive spaces that engage the entire community, with a special focus on underserved populations. Welcoming foundations seek to be inclusive, engaging and empowering of their communities.
Open
Relationships | Operations | Finances
Organizations are committed to transparency, knowledge sharing, tangible collaborations, and authentic engagement – where the community is a source of energy, ideas, inspiration, and innovation. SLOW foundations are open about their relationships, operations and finances.
Inspiration
Examples of SLOW components that already exist and serve as inspiration are illustrated below. While these do a great deal on their own, with some degree of cross-cutting, bringing them together in SLOW creates something truly unique. Please explore these movements and their contributions.
